jayr0422

iTrader: (2)

I went to the dealer for an oil change for the first time with my 98 GS400 I just bought and they told me my lower ball joints were very loose and said it was extremely dangerous to drive on them and yadda yadda yadda. I just got the car inspected in December and they didn't say anything about it but OK... I want to replace them but will be buying the OEM parts myself for cheap and want to know if I need to replace the tie rods too as a precaution? Do I need the inner or outer tie rods? Thanks in advance...

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

Yes replace the tie rods (outer). You'll need to get an alignment afterwards so it's best to do it all at once. We generally do not have problems with the inner tie rods.

sam430

iTrader: (10)

If you remove the tie rod correctly... you should not be in a hurry to get your car re-aligned. You should do it, but, it's not an urgency. Just to help you manage your time : )

jayr0422

iTrader: (2)

cool, thanks guys. I will replace both at the same time... wonder what the dealer will charge me for labor.

jayr0422

iTrader: (2)

I hate that these places still charge you the full labor for stuff they have to take off anyway during a service. Like for example, if I wanted to do the lower ball joint, you HAVE to take off the rotor right? but if I say I want a new rotor put on they will still charge separately for that rotor even tho no extra work was done.

jayr0422

iTrader: (2)

Basically told me the lower ball joints are 2 hours each and the outer tie rods are 1.5 hours each meaning 7 hours total at $115.90 per hour= 811.30 for labor.... THEY WISH!!!

and all the crap about "Are they Lexus Parts?? Where did you buy them?? You know if something happens we can't warranty the parts" I think I will find me a good shop in the area instead, LOL it's almost as if dude is warning me that they aren't gonna do a good job. if they are Lexus parts and they are installed correctly why would you need to warn me so much??

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

Book time is usually longer than warranty work..which sucks because most of us end up paying for repairs that aren't covered under warranty. I can do the balljoint/tie rod in an hour. No need to take off rotors or anything.

Definitely take it to a local shop.

Kbueno

Consider Daizen poly bushings while you're at it.

jayr0422

iTrader: (2)

I need to read the thread on them to further familiarize myself on them to see the pros and cons and longevity but would it take much more labor to swap that part out? I am gonna go to a local shop so they should work with me instead of charging me the full labor price for each thing as if they are doing all the work for each one.

jcat_350

you're looking at approximately 6 more hours labor to replace the control arm bushings.


steering rack bushings can be done by yourself within an hour if you're mechanically inclined.

jayr0422

iTrader: (2)

oh wow. is that a part I need to replace for preventive maintenance? Are those a problem on these GSs? Or is it just something most of you guys just do for the performance?

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

Your caster bushing will eventually go out. I wouldn't worry until you start having problems with it.

Mike813

iTrader: (5)

this is the same thing i went through last month, i changed ALL the tie rods inner & outer for the hell of it since they will have everything removed anyway and my car recently hit the 90k mark. but the price for me to paint + install lip kit, mount balance 4 tires, parts + labor for tie rods (inner + outer), alignment, and 2 rear rotors all came to a grand total of 1500 even and thats with a 10% discount, so yea be prepared to put a dent in the bank acct.

sakataj

iTrader: (182)

thats hella cheap sir...

jayr0422

iTrader: (2)

yeah that price is cheap, couldn't have been at a dealership, lol. The guy at the shop I'm going to has been working on Lexus cars for years and said that the inner tie rod is what goes out on these cars, not the outer. Can anybody give input??